Source: first stage of operation to liberate Palmyra complete

The first stage of to recapture Palmyra is complete as the Syrian army and militia are posed to edge the ancient city, RIA Novosti cited a source in the operation command.

“On March 19 Syrian Army’s artillery and Air forces have successfully hit the targets. We consider the first stage of Palmyra recapture to be complete. Now the infantry is to reach the city boundaries,” the source said in an interview to the agency.

Army and militia’s advanced two kilometers closer to Palmyra, with no continuing frontline yet established. Saturday militants’ positions west and east of Palmyra came under heavy fire from artillery, “Grad” rocket launchers and airstrikes, destroying positions at a strategic crossroad of connecting Palmyra Damascus and Deir ez-Zor, RIA correspondent on the ground reported.

Militants are still entrenched on the hills near the road. The Syrian army recaptured most of Hayyal Mountains, thus, cutting off terrorists’ supply lines from the town of Al-Qaryatayn.

On March 16, the army and militia imposed control over Point 939 in Hayyal Mountains to the southeast of the city of Palmyra. Suheil Al Hassan’s “Tiger Forces” are advancing to the city from the west.